CFS Plays Key Role in Normand Clipper Conversion – Port of Blyth

CFS, one of the UK’s leading fabrication and engineering specialists based in the North East of England supported Royal IHC to deliver a major conversion of Global Offshore’s Normand Clipper vessel.

The Brief

The Normand Clipper was built in 2001 as a Cable Laying and Repair Vessel. It underwent a major conversion in 2005 to a deepwater subsea construction and umbilical lay DP vessel. Having been acquired by Global Marine Group, a leading provider of engineering and underwater services, it will be deployed to support cable lay operations within the renewable energy and oil & gas sectors.

Global Offshore, part of the Global Marine Group, were awarded a contract for cable installation and burial of the Pentland Firth East submarine cable, a new 35km, 33kV power cable which will connect mainland Scotland to Hoy.

Royal IHC were appointed as main contractor for the extensive conversion and upgrade of the vessel for this assignment. The extensive works included  5 off winches ranging from 2.5t to 20t some with Anti Heave compensation, an integrated deck control station, two 15-tonne cable tensioners, a 25-tonne quadrant deployment frame with associated steel work and a fully integrated control system – all to be completed whilst berthed in the Port of Blyth.

The Solution

Having worked successfully with Global Marine Group over the years, CFS were approached by main contractor, Royal IHC, to fabricate and install a number of strategic structural equipment on the vessel.

CFS were able to turn around the RFQ in 2 days with the scope of works including the fabrication, painting and finishing of:

-    2No Overboard Chutes
-    Deck Support tables for 2No Chutes
-    Roller Tables
-    Grillages
-    CPS Tables
-    Quadrant Deployment Rail System
-    Overboard Quadrant (DNV certified)

The Result

This represented a six figures project for CFS: fabricating and installing over 100 tonnes of fabricated class approved steel components.

CFS were able to deliver this successful project during the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic; ensuring complete safety of their team and of their stakeholders, no mean feat when considering the operational challenges experienced by the industry during the crisis.

Darren Carlisle, Managing Director, CFS said: “This was a very large and complex project that required very tight deliveries however it was one that suited our fabrication and mobilisation capabilities. Our open and proactive communication with our client, stakeholders and supply chain enabled us to deliver this fantastic project during a very challenging time with the global pandemic.”

CFS will carry out further modifications on the Normand Clipper when she returns to the Port of Blyth after completion of her second assignment installing a power cable across the Pentland Firth Strait.  

Read the latest issue of the OGV Energy magazine HERE.